The team name, Sundogs, refers to an atmospheric phenomenon primarily associated with the reflection of sunlight by small ice crystals in cirrus clouds, resulting in what appears to be two suns in the sky.

Arizona went on to beat the Corpus Christi Rayz, 2–1, in overtime of Game 7 of the opening round, advancing to the Southern Conference Semifinals against division rival New Mexico.

Phoenix Coyotes prospect Alex Leavitt lead the league in scoring (128 points) and assists (88).

They then defeated the 2007–08 Southern Conference regular season champion Laredo Bucks in seven games in the Southern Conference Finals before sweeping the defending Ray Miron President's Cup Champion Colorado Eagles in four straight games, winning the President's Cup in only their second year of existence.

Second-year forward Joey Sides was the team's lone representative in the 2011 CHL All-Star Game, recording one assist and three shots in an 11–6 win over the host Rapid City Rush.

On March 4, 2011, the Sundogs and Tim's Toyota Center were named hosts of the 2012 Central Hockey League All-Star Game.